FOOTBALL
MID GIPPSLAND
By ROB POPPLESTONE
TWO deserving sides rewarded with an opportunity on the back of outstanding seasons, clashed in the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League Preliminary Final at the weekend.
The winner was offered the chance to take the next step, and battle Fish Creek for the silverware.
Yinnar 11.9 (75) def Foster 6.6 (42)
THE Magpies had already tasted success earlier in the day, not once, but twice, as the club’s under 18s and reserves won their way through to the big dance.
There was little doubt however, that a senior win was what Yinnar was after, and it was what they achieved in a final scoreboard reading 11.9 (75) to Foster 6.6 (42).
There was a sense of urgency about Foster early; their ball use and composure under pressure setting them up with an early lead in tricky, windy conditions at Ronald Reserve.
Two goals for the Tigers put the Magpies under some real pressure in the first 10 minutes, as Yinnar struggled to find their way forward and even when they did, poor ball use and decision making was causing unnecessary turnovers.
It was only after some undisciplined play by Foster gun forward Jake Best that allowed the Magpie’s Ben Cheffers a free kick on goal. The youngster slotted it through for his team’s first score of the game at the 16-minute mark.
The Tigers responded well. Todd Bastian goaled after being awarded a free kick 30 metres out, which put his side back out to a lead of 14 points, before Michael Cooke sent his side into the first break with Foster’s fourth, a goal after the siren, a lead of 20 points and some real concerns for Yinnar.
Hayden Rowley was doing his best to work his team back into the game, but the finishing of his teammates was letting the side down.
The talented Stuart Patten up forward for Yinnar wasn’t having the best of luck, and the frustrations of things not going their way was starting to spread throughout the side as they struggled to reel the Tigers in.
It was only a miraculous goal from Josh Bugeja when things started to roll for Yinnar. A second major for the quarter soon followed, when Patten slotted through his first that sent his side into the main break, still trailing by eight points, but with a renewed belief that they were well and truly in the game.
Best got his second of the day, and the first of the third quarter, after a free kick was paid downfield, before Yinnar’s Flynn Schill goaled nicely. Foster was finding it hard to shrug off the Magpie’s side, and when Cheffers got on the end of some Kane Grinstead-Jones magic to goal, it was game on, with a Grand Final position up for grabs.
Patten goaled beautifully from the boundary just before time-on, and all of a sudden from nowhere, Yinnar had hit the lead.
Their running brigade was causing some huge problems for Foster, before Best momentarily stopped the Magpie’s momentum, reading the ball nicely off hands and converting his third to take the lead back for his Tigers.
Just when you thought that would be it, Grinstead-Jones goaled to send his side into the final break five point leaders.
Luke Cheffers was then gifted a goal from Grinstead-Jones, and Yinnar extended the lead to two goals in the early minutes of the final quarter, before Dean Linton quickly got another for the Magpies and the whole momentum of the game changed.
The talented teenagers of the Magpies continued to run the game out, and eventually it all proved too much for Foster.
Yinnar was too quick, too classy, and the longer the game went, the greater the lead, eventually winning by 33 points, and now with the rare honour of having all three football grades through to the last weekend of the year.
Magpies coach Sam McCulloch said his side took a methodical approach after finding themselves behind in the game.
“It was a tight tussle early and Foster gained the early ascendancy. We managed to work our way back into the game late in the second quarter,” he said.
“Started really well and thought we were on top for a lot of the first half. Lost our way in the contest and set up in the second half and let Yinnar play to their strengths.”
“Our second half of footy was very pleasing, we gained some confidence and played our brand of footy.
“Great to bounce back after a disappointing loss last week and a lot of players who were down responded in the right manner.”
MGFNL Seniors Grand Final Preview
FISH CREEK’S reputation as a quality club has been further enhanced over the past 12 months.
Just weeks after their 2023 premiership success, the club was faced with perhaps their biggest challenge.
A devastating fire destroying their venue and much of its memories, a moment in time that may have almost destroyed the reigning premier as well, but no, they appear to have built back even stronger as they prepare for a fairy tale finish against a talented Yinnar side in the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League Grand Final, set to be played this Saturday.
Both teams go into the decider with one win apiece in head-to-head battles this season, which sets the scene for an epic Grand Final.
As interesting as past results may be, they won’t have much affect on the Grand Final, outside of what coaches may have learnt about both their opposition and their own players’ abilities to perform against those expected to be playmakers from either side.
Fish Creek coach Jarrad Walker said his team was raring to go, after beating Yinnar in the Qualifying Final to go straight into the decider with a week off.
“A good week off for us, had a solid session getting a fair few kilometres in the legs with a heap of excitement,” he said.
“As a team we watched the prelim to see Yinnar run over the top of Foster with a lot of momentum.
“Momentum means a lot in finals so we will need to be ready to fire from the first bounce to match Yinnar’s belief.
“Top two teams in the Grand Final… will be a great game.”
It’s a thought echoed by many of the coaches in the league.
Mirboo North coach Damien Turner believed the midfield battle would be key.
“What a great finals series! Both these teams are long-time proven finals teams, with plenty of Grand Final experience,” he said.
“Poised to be a cracking contest. Really hard to tip but if Yinnar can win the midfield battle, they win by 12 points.”
Thorpdale, and recently announced Catani coach Ray Pickering, was backing Fish Creek.
“Wouldn’t we all like some of that Fish Creek water,” he said, in reference to the Kangaroos’ record of more than 30 senior premierships (likely the most in the state).
“An interesting match-up for mine, a powerful, big, strong Fish Creek outfit versus a slick, fast running outside team in Yinnar.
“When it comes to finals, Fish Creek just seem to grow an extra leg, their experience comes to the fore and I think it will happen again this week.
“If Yinnar can get the ball into space and get their running game going, that is the only way I can see them worrying Fishy, but I just don’t think Fish Creek will allow it.”
Toora coach Jack Weston was also tipping the Kangaroos.
“First versus second on the ladder in the Grand Final seems fitting,” he said.
“Fish Creek to win for me.
“Their discipline to lower their eyes and move the ball skilfully by foot will take away Yinnar’s ability to turn the ball over through intercept marks.
“I also don’t see their youthfulness running over the top of a well-rested and healthy Fish Creek side with a stack of experience.”
Hill End coach Ambu Uliando expected Fish Creek to win a close one.
“Fish Creek win by three goals. Fishy have the experience and size that I believe gives them the edge. Will be an exciting game.”
Stony Creek coach Chris Verboon looked at it differently.
“I think Yinnar will win by 13 points. The loss to Stony Creek in the last round has got them fired up to go all the way.”
Yinnar would be buoyant about their chances after their Preliminary Final win, but also respectful of the quality of opposition and the enormity of the task.
Magpies coach Sam McCulloch said he was happy to go in as the underdog.
“Excited about the opportunity to play against Fish Creek again and will go in with confidence and with the attitude we have nothing to lose,” he said.
